Michael Gay

Michael P. Gay, CEcD, is the Sr. VP of Economic Development for Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) and manages the 8- county economic development programming and staff while serving as the primary regional contact for prospective companies considering relocating to the Madison Region. The MadREP ED Programming includes business attraction, retention and expansion, innovation and entrepreneurship, small business development, industry sector and cluster development, centers of excellence, and international export and foreign direct investment programs.

Prior to joining MadREP in 2013, Michael served as the Director of the Center for New Ventures (CNV) at UW-Platteville for 2-plus years. The CNV helped the university and its expansive educational resources become more entrepreneurial, promote research, technology transfer and increase grant funding and related relationships. The CNV provided technical assistance to University professors and academic staff seeking funding, corporate relations, government relations, and partnerships for educational and applied research projects. Michael also managed the University’s Office of Sponsored Programs staff and project pipeline.

From 2000-2011, Michael served the City of Madison as their Business Development Coordinator. This position was the official liaison between city government and the Madison business community. Michael’s time was focused on technology transfer, innovation, and the creation of new economy employment centers and business incubators. Michael served as lead staff to the BioAg Gateway, the Midwest Biolink Commercialization and Business Center (BioLink), the Madison Public Market, and Capital East District projects. Other various City duties included brownfield redevelopment, marketing real estate, providing technical and financial assistance to small business start-ups, business retention and expansion, major employer attraction, and business district planning.

Prior to working for the City, Michael directed an office of a private Midwest architectural/engineering/planning consulting firm (MSA Professional Services, 1993-2000) as well as administered business development programs for the State of Wisconsin Department of Development (now Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation) (DOD from 1989-1991).

Michael is also a Certified Economic Development Professional (CEcD) by the International Economic Development Council. He holds a B.S. in Public and Environmental Administration (UW Green Bay), a minor in Spanish Literature, and an M.S. in Urban and Regional Planning (UW Madison).